Laphroaig distillery was founded in 1815 by Donald and Alexander Johnston and is located in Port Ellen, Isle of Islay. Laphroaig is famous for producing some of the smokiest Whisky in the world with a distinct flavor, in huge part influenced by the vicinity of the coast and the high moss content of its peat.
We’re talking about Whisky royalty right here, so it’s no wonder this is also the favorite Whisky of Prince Charles, who gave Laphroaig permission to use his royal warrant on all the bottles. Their core line-up has no fewer than a dozen Single Malt drams plus a host of special releases and travel retail editions.
Everybody knows their 10 YO, one of Scotland’s most distinguished malts. This right here is his big, rugged brother. Laphroaig 10 YO Cask Strength is non chill-filtered and bottled at 58.6% ABV, which means you can enjoy the dram exactly as it was made. We recommend cooling it down with a bit of water though to soften the blow and allow for the release of the rich aroma of peat, spice and sea. It’s up to you to bring out the best in him.
This is definitely not a beginner dram. In fact, we would argue, this is such an intense and complex dram that only true Whisky connoisseurs can fully appreciate. Some say that good Whisky is like friendship: rich, warm and strong. Well, if that’s the case, you might have just found your best friend. With that said, it’s also up to him to bring the best out of you.
What does Laphroaig 10 Year Old Cask Strength taste like?
The Flavor Spiral™ shows the most common flavors that you'll taste in Laphroaig 10 Year Old Cask Strength and gives you a chance to have a taste of it before actually tasting it.
We invented Flavor Spiral™ here at Flaviar to get all your senses involved in tasting drinks and, frankly, because we think that classic tasting notes are boring.
Dog Dogson's
Smartass Corner
Categories of Scotch Whisky: Single malt, Blended malt (formerly called Vatted malt), blended, single grain and blended grain Scotch.
Absolutely superb. Loads of caramel, vanilla, and iodine in the nose. Mouth is a bomb of salt, brine, vanilla, caramel, phenols. Finish just does not go away, in the best way possible. Tied for my favorite bottle of all time.
David,
Cask strength + peat. From Laphroaig. What's not to love?
TERILYN,
Too much smoke for me. Little flavor.
leslie,
If you like Laphroaig, you’ll love the Cask Strength.
David,
In a word hideous. Smells and tasks like plastic. Guessing other reviewers drank turpentine prior to drinking this stuff.
David,
This is without a doubt my absolute favorite Scotch there is. I am a Laphroaig fan, but I prefer the 10yr Cask Strength above all (within reason of course... but I take it over Laphroaig Lore personally).
Kasey,
i really thought i would like this more than the regular 10, but i think laphroaig knows where the best proof for this is! still an incredible, briney, earthy and smokey dram.
Adam,
Goddamn I love Laphroaig. This dram is absolutely wonderful. Lots of that wood char smoke notes in the nose and flavor mixed with caramel, lemon peel, vanilla cream, and sea salt. I drank it neat and I prefer this version over the standard 10. It has so much more sweetness that helps balance the smoke, salt, and fruit peel bitterness much better.
Nick,
If you like Laphroaig this is an expression on steroids. Big smoke and wood spices. Received Batch 12 from Flaviar bottled at 60%. A bit of water brings out some sweetness. Highly recommend for Islay fans, but not for the faint of heart!
Anton,
More of everything that I love about Laphroaig.
Kenneth,
This is one of the absolute favorites of mine, the amount of smoke and peat is strong yet balanced. Lots of wood and spicy. The regular 10 pales by comparison.
Gary,
such peat. many smoke. wow delicious
BRUCE,
Like this. Be sure to add some water to bring out the full flavor and aroma. Just have to keep my wife out of it as she loves the smokey / peaty scotches!
Randall,
I think this screams BRINEY IODINE! LOL I don't get any smoke and not much peat. It's a nice changeup from the smoky Ardbegs I usually like. Its pretty nice with just a bit of water.
Judy,
too peaty for me
Michael,
I prefer the standard 10 due to price range as of now but it still is a great expression
UPDATE: this is so damn drinkable and I love it
Matthias,
My first sip of Scotch whisky was the standard Laphroaig 10 and, surprisingly, that's what sparked my interest. The cask strength bottling has everything I want with nothing hidden. It beautifully peated and complex with a mouthfeel that speaks at greater and greater length the longer you chew. If I had to choose just one bottle for the rest of my life, this would be it without any hesitation.
Zach,
Spicier, less funkier Laphroaig 10.
guest,
Nose is slightly smoky but more like the aroma of bandaids. Taste is more medicinal initially, then finishes with sweeter and pepper notes. Good Islay whiskey although I prefer a little more smoke and earthy flavor.
Juan,
My second attempt at peaty/smoky whisky. The initial whiff almost made me second guess what I had just gotten myself into but the first sip was reassured me that I had made the right choice without a doubt! The smoke is dominant but not overwhelming, followed by a wonderful light sweetness of honey and caramel followed by a slight taste of sea salt then finishes with strong peat smoke... all in all delicious!
Dennis,
Peatiest around. Can be a bit acidic -- be ready for that kick.
Michael,
Too smoky for me. Also a strange finish with a strong alcohol taste.
Jonathan,
This is the best peated cs I've ever had price considered. It has the classic bite of Laphroaig and the higher alcohol content really preserves the flavor of the malt intended.
JOSH,
Powerful as expected from cask strength, a good introduction to Laphroaig, i add about equal parts water, islay water bottled from the same source of course!
guest,
This is my go to scotch.
Ray,
Heavy smoke but well rounded, very enjoyable
Lawrence,
Full bodied. Smoky. Not for the beginner. Seaweed. Peaty. Long lasting.
William,
Another one of the love or hate whiskys that I love. Yes, it's a ton of iodine on top of the smoke, but it's distinct and remarkably consistent. Lagavulin is better of the type, but it's also about three times the price and it's not three times better.
Stefano,
Nice and peaty
Stephanie,
This was a gift for my son-in-law.
Ben,
Exceptionally rounded for its age. Heavy smoke but that is to be expected from an Islay Scotch. A must have for any home bar/whisky enthusiast.
Colby,
It is a good scotch but i'm not a huge fan of the smoky (Highlands) taste.
Michihiro,
My first dram ever so it will always have a special place in my heart. Lots of peat and earth but if you enjoy Islay scotch then it’s near perfect
Brian,
This is my favorite
Antoine,
Smoked, but not too strong.
Hector,
Wonderful
Viyan,
Sweet and smoky with bite at the end (neat)
James,
Love the intense smoke and peat flavor, I like it most served neat
Ruth,
Very smoky, some caramel notes afterwards. not to my liking.
Javier,
Love it. Great peat smoke. Great cask strength. A real gem
Charles,
Peat. Peat. And repeat! This one is peaty.....and also delicious!
Robert,
Like a 10 year but a tad stronger. This one I don’t drink neat
Robert,
Smoke
Jerry,
Literally a campfire in your mouth and I love it!
Mark,
One of my all time favorites.
Rob,
Peat, peat, peat with an uncharacteristically smooth finish.
Trey,
V tastaaaaay
Alan,
great peat unlocks with water
Jay,
Really love the depth and complexity of this, but the finish didn’t just linger, it haunted me for hours.
John,
To me, this is similar to Lagavulin 16 yr. but taken back a notch. A little softer and smoother, definitely a must for someone just getting into whiskeys. Cheaper on the pocket and good alternative to keep in stock if you don’t want to finish your favorites as quick in your home collection.
Brett,
Smokey and hard to drink. In a good way
Bryan,
Love the smoky, spicy flavor
Arvind,
Another classic
Scott,
Not a fan of that smoke
Andilee,
Love the smoke and peat blend with the 10 year.
Brian,
no
Steve,
Excellent smoke/peet blend..
Angel,
My Islay starter. Peated, smoky, profound. You love it or hate it. And I love it!
Drew,
Quite crazy how much better this is than the normal 10 year. Perfect woodspice, hot cherry notes, cola, mineral brine, all complimenting a very umami peatiness like bacon or grilled mushrooms.
Nathan,
Ok 10/10 for its uniqueness, flavor is wow the strongest burnt ashtray and rubber I’ve ever had. Very strong to nose as well but I find it delightful. I wouldn’t say it’s an everyday sipper but for the cold days in Minnesota after shoveling 6 inches of snow this will definitely be the drink to warm the soul.
Love this Scotch for the right occasion. I can’t drink it everyday, but when I am in the mood for a party warming Scotch, this is my go to drink.
Christopher,
If you like smoke, this Islay is the scotch for you. Smoke on the nose, super peaty finish. Nice burn. Not for everyone but I thoroughly enjoy a glass on the rocks. No more than 2 in one sitting.
James,
Too smokey for my taste...
Monica,
A great peaty dram.
Monica,
A great, peaty draw.
Laura,
Like taking a liquid bite of pure Mother Earth. Smoky, mossy, spicy, and pure delight.
Matthew,
I love peaty scotches, this one is especially smoky and tasty, second favorite only to Triple Wood
guest,
Mnam
Chris,
Always in the mood for more peat so this is always a go to drink for me.
Lisa,
Smoky and nice. Just ok though
Jeremy,
It has a very strong antiseptic smell and if you want that smell staying with you for a little while then this is the scotch for you. It definitely not a Scotch to my taste.
Michael,
Excellent scotch. Complex, smoky, peaty, delicious. Better than the regular 10!
Stephen,
This is now my go-to scotch for a strong dose of smoke and peat. If you are reticent because if its cask strength, don’t be, the 10 yr Cask Strength is shockingly smooth.
John,
One of my favorites. Smokey, peaty, a touch of sweetness to round it out. I enjoy the aroma almost as much as the taste.
guest,
A bit too complex
Adam,
Strong, peaty flavor
Sean,
Too bitter for my liking
guest,
Peaty, smoky, ethereal.
DODSTIL,
This is Islay Single Malt Scotch Whisky and it's the most recent scotch I have tried in many years. It's 116 proof and I'm glad I followed the instructions on the bottle because this is a very powerful scotch whisky,(I'm a light weight), but I like and want to experience other whiskies.
Thaine,
My favorite whisky. Smooth and smokey. As the copy says, "Like kissing a mermaid who just ate BBQ."
Josh,
Very strong smoke, oak, and peat. Really enjoy sipping.
Thomas,
Got the smoke but shy of more flavorful Laphroaig selections. Good in a pinch and in most bars I venture into now.
Joe,
Very smoky and peaty but has a strong great after taste that's last a long time
Gus,
Perfect at quiet time or with a cigar.
guest,
A wonderful, smokey Islay, more subtle then something like an Ardbeg.
CJ,
Smoother than the quarter cask, but still with edge to enjoy.
Joshua,
Very strong and peat-forward
Ryan,
Too intense, but very good.
Daniel,
Laphroaig always has great Scotch. This one is smokey and has a lot of phenols with a bit of a meaty salty taste. Not tasting any vanilla.
guest,
This is a classic, tastes it and feels it.
Aiden,
Go-to peaty scotch.
guest,
Richtig rauchig. Im Abgang nicht spritlastig
guest,
V
Ransome,
Excellent for great, strong pete flavor
guest,
Like the 10 on steroids.
Paul,
strong, but not the greatest flavor...much prefer the regular 10-year
Ian,
It is smooth but I am not partial to the smokey, peatey taste.
Matthew,
Hoooo wee. That'll hit ya. Sure, add water. But that is still gonna spank your ass. Just like I like my ladies.
guest,
Fresh,oily,much flavor.
Ty,
Exceptionally good. One of the best whisky bargains around. Try Laphroaig 10 once to compare to the Cask Strength. Spend the extra $15, experiment with water, and never look back.
Mr.,
Turpentine burn
Aaron,
Love the smokey flavor
Michael,
SMOKE
Drake,
too peaty
Wayne,
This is my favorite Scotch. Runner up is Ardbeg. I also like Glenfiddich, usually 12 yr.
Crissie,
Love the smokey smoothness
Aaron,
Ok, it's like smoking a pipe, while stranded at sea, in the middle of a rain storm, with seaweed smacking you in the face. But in a good way. Really good!
Darrin,
Smoky goodness, like a warm night campfire with marshmallows.
Derek,
Not a fan of the punch you in the face peaty profile
Chris,
Obvious peaty influence that finishes nice with water added. Smokey with a medium warming.
guest,
Good but too peaty for my taste
Mark,
Excellent pear and smoke flavors. My new favorite!
Nicholas,
My favorite! I adore the smoke and the rich flavor if this whisky. It is unlike any other scotch in existence.
guest,
Smoky and medicinal
James,
So smoky, so delicious
Aric,
Not bad. Heavy smoke after the first bite.
Joel,
Very smoky, smooth.
guest,
I am not much of a fan of the medicinal taste as much as I thought I was.
Reginald,
Akin to sipping liquid funk. Not to my taste.
Richard,
I just adore cask strength. Really let's you see the whisky evolve with water. It's classic Laphroaig with smoke, Band-Aids,and then cherries and fruit with water. Really good. Batch 007
Roger,
Bottled perfection. Love it.
Chris,
Probably the greatest introduction to Islay whiskies on the market. It does punch you in the face, but once your olfactory senses are used to it, opens up and reveals the other flavors in its profile.
Chrisman,
It's got the peat I like. But I like Lagavulin 16-year-old better.
Brandon,
Fruity. Next to no bite.
guest,
It's like being hit in the teeth with a glowing log from last night's campfire on a damp autumn morning and then that log quickly becomes your new best friend.
Mark,
My favorite scotch. I drink this on a regular basis
Bharat,
I like the aftertaste. It was smooth and had very unique notes